Technical Workgroups

PA Workforce Development Association established technical workgroups to offer various local workforce professionals a “community of practice” in which to discuss the field’s most prominent issues, develop solutions, share information and learn from each other. The workgroups ultimately use their discussion and learning to advise the board in its efforts to improve the operations and services of workforce development areas and to assist in meeting the goals of the association. The workgroups communicate their findings, conclusions and recommendations to the appropriate Policy and Oversight or Operations Council.

Technical Workgroup Membership

Members of the board of the PA Workforce Development Association appoint individuals from their workforce development area to serve as members of technical workgroups. Representatives of workforce development areas, Workforce development boards, agencies that participate in a PA CareerLink®, or other related organizations are eligible to serve as technical workgroup members.

Individuals from federal, state and local agencies or organizations who are not board appointees representing a local workforce development area may be invited to participate in meetings as non-voting liaisons to represent their respective agencies.

Role of Technical Workgroups

Technical workgroups achieve their work through meetings, discussions, exchanges of information and research. They do not establish policy for the workforce development areas or PWDA. The PWDA chair, board or executive committee may ask a workgroup to advise the association on a particular issue or question and to present its progress, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Quality Assurance Technical Workgroup

This workgroup’s responsibility and role is to improve the ability and professional development of the Local Workforce Development Area monitors by sharing resources and best practices. Members address issues related to monitoring and oversight of various contractors and training providers by evaluating program outcomes and reviewing program performance. The members share information relating to programmatic and fiscal monitoring tools and discuss various monitoring procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and policies.

Welfare Technical Workgroup

Members address issues in programs that serve clients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) employment and training programs, including discussion of inter-departmental policies and practices, program design and data management.

Youth Technical Workgroup

Members share information and resources and address issues related to youth programs supported by the Workforce Innovation an Opportunity Act. Members share information ranging from program design and best practices to participant tracking and performance measures. They formulate policy recommendations to the PWDA Board on youth-related workforce development issues.